Rock Crabs

From Alaska into Central California, rock crab fisheries one of the most economically and socially important fisheries along the West Coast. These fairly large crabs rely on shallow and protected seagrass meadows as juveniles before moving into deeper waters as adults.

Landings

A figure showing the increase in rock crab fishing from 2007 - 2015.Data source: CDFW; Figure credit: NOAA.

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Commercial fishing activity for rock crabs has increased recently in blocks around Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Landings of rock crabs have increased since 2010. Commercial rock crab data from blocks 683–691, 706–714, 744–745, and 764–765 (see Figure App.C4.3 for map of blocks). For more information, consult Figure App.C.4.6a in the CINMS 2016 Condition Report.